CONTACT LENSES AND AQUATICS

Ideally contact lenses and water shouldn’t mix so our basic advice is:

• Avoid swimming with contact lenses or exposing them to water
• Remove and dispose of lenses if they are accidentally exposed to water
• Wear water-tight goggles if it is necessary to wear contact lenses for water sports

There may be occasions when our ideal advice above cannot be followed as it is impractical so some of the advice below may be of benefit.

Can I swim in the pool in my contact lenses?

Properly maintained swimming pools are treated with chlorine and other chemicals which may be absorbed by soft contact lenses and produce irritation. Symptoms of redness, discomfort and photophobia are generally short lived and don’t result in permanent damage to eye tissues. Symptoms after swimming can be reduced by the frequent instillation of artificial tears.

The different chemical strength of the pool water compared to the eye tears may cause soft lenses to stick or bind to the front of the eye. This reduces the chance of losing a lens while swimming in a pool, but can make the lenses more difficult to remove. Ensure the lens is moving freely before attempting removal. Normal movement of the lenses usually returns 30 minutes after swimming or this can be hastened by the instillation of artificial tear drops.

Can I swim in the ocean in my contact lenses?

Unlike soft contact lenses worn in swimming pools, lenses worn in ocean water are more apt to float off the eye because of the different chemical properties of salt water although research with surfers has only shown a relatively low percentage of losses.
Closing the eyes when the head is submerged, or wearing water-tight goggles will prevent loss.

Unlike pool water, ocean water is not chemically treated to decrease microorganisms so the ocean contains more contaminants that may cause eye infections. Do not swim or surf where there are warning signs of contaminated water. Water-tight goggles should be worn when swimming in the ocean. Again, the lenses should be checked they are moving freely on the eye before removal, and they should be discarded or disinfected  before further wear.

Can I swim in lakes or rivers in my contact lenses?

Rivers and lakes generally harbour more microorganisms than do swimming pools or the ocean. The risks are increased if the water isn’t moving or is stagnant. Lenses should be discarded after use.

Can I snorkel or scuba dive in my contact lenses?

A mask or water-tight swimming goggle should be worn regardless of whether the diver needs vision correction. A diver who does not require a correction for reading could wear either soft or RGP lenses with a plano scuba mask or a prescription scuba mask. Given the potential complications of scuba diving, most individuals prefer the option of contact lens wear in the event the mask becomes separated from the face.

During ascension to the water’s surface, scuba divers are exposed to an increased level of nitrogen. To reduce the chance of reduced vision only the latest silicone hydrogel, or RGP lenses manufactured from high permeability materials should be worn. Scuba divers wearing soft lenses should instill soft lens rewetting drops and wait 5 minutes after surfacing before removing their lenses.

Can I play water polo in my contact lenses?

Water polo players are generally not allowed to wear goggles to minimise injuries to the players. Daily disposable lenses are the best choice for this activity. Lenses should not be removed from the eye until normal free movement has been restored.

Can I shower in my contact lenses?

Minimise exposure of the contact lenses to water while showering by closing your eyes when washing your face or shampooing your hair. Better still, shower before lenses are inserted or after they are removed.

Do I need protection from sunlight?

Sunlight reflecting off water and sand can intensify the UV rays that damage eye tissues. Contact lenses that incorporate a UV inhibitor will help but they do not offer the same degree of protection afforded by high quality sunglasses.

Will my contact lenses float off my eyes?

The risk is greatest with RGP lenses, both above and below the surface. Potential for loss of a soft lens depends on the type of water, pool, salt or fresh water. Risk of loss may also increase in activities such as water skiing in which the possibility exists for high-speed contact with the water.

• Spare lenses, extra lens care solution and a current pair of spectacles are a must if contact lenses are worn during water activities
• The back-up spectacles can be worn while the contact lenses are disinfecting
• Contact lenses used for water activities should not be slept in
• Some wearers use daily disposable lenses for water activities and a different type of lens for other activities